Our Family's Friends Continue to Offer Prayer Services

On the fourth day since my father's death, prayers from friends continue to serve at his wake. My Interlude Family, with Sister Aurea, OSB (who just arrived from her trip) were the first to offer prayers yesterday. I accompanied the singing using the portable organ here at home. I heard that sister Au has already sent the name of my papang to be included in the prayers of their Benedictine group. The leaders of the Chapels here in Sanito came next. Mr. Dayuday was the group's guitarist with Bro. Carbaquil as the prayer leader. Papang used to actively work as a minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in this barrio. He not only contributed to the spiritual growth of the assembly but also helped in the physical enhancement of the house of the Lord. The third novena was prayed last night with Mrs. Flores as the usual leader. Since she caught up the presence of the leaders here in Sanito, the same group participated in the novena. The last group to offer prayer service were the Couples for Christ, CFC. The group leaders came in good number with Mr. Cescon as the prayer leader. The service was filled with beautiful CFC hymns, which brought me to recall the songs papang and mamang used to sing here home. My parents were active leaders of this ministry. I remember the times papang was asking me to translate in Cebuano the prepared English discussions of the CFC Christian Life Program. We were having great moments talking about what he would have to discuss as a speaker of certain talks. But as soon as he became a minister at our chapel here, he left the CFC.

Our friends online express their condolences, thoughts and prayers to us. The show of support from these people through the FB personal and group pages is heart-warming. Many have come to know about papang's fate through the Internet. Even Sr. Milflor, who is based in Angola, Africa knew what happened and expressed her sympathy to us.

My co-teacher/friends Lovely, Tin-tin, Sweet and Jiji perpetually enrolled papang among the benefactors of the Congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate. Papang will be included in the intentions during Saturday masses offered throughout the year, daily remembrance in prayers, sacrifices and Apostolate of the SHMI.

Prayers strengthen our family. They affirm the greatness of the love of God and His saving mercy. Each time our friends offer prayers at my papang's wake, our family is given hope that papang shall eventually have his home-coming to the Father's holy dwelling place.